There are few countries in the world stranger to look at than North Korea. The pariah state is known for its brand of militarist totalitarianism, the creepiness of the cult of Kim and the misery of a starving, oppressed population. But, with its borders closed and its people kept much in the dark, the North Korea the outside world sees is framed — with the exception of a handful of foreign photographers — entirely through the propaganda that the state broadcasts. These undated pictures are from the new Munsu water park opened in Pyongyang recently. The country’s youthful despot Kim Jong Un has a penchant for such diversions and here are scenes of his latest bequest to his people. Who knows—they could use the fun.

i can't imagine living in a place that is not democratic/republic. this is a nightmare. i hope this fat kim guy will die like saddam or in another horrible way. congrats to those who have defected and reached south korea.

After this photo was taken, several people started eating the two rafts in the picture. I would think the last thing North Korean people want or need is a water park for favored friends of the Boy Dictator.

@SophiaLe - Please, let's have some understanding here! NK is a monarchy in all but name, and a particularly nasty example. King Jong likes places to play, and he's persona non grata across most of the globe so he has to build his own toy-palaces. Food? People? Please - this whack-job state is all about the cult of the leader, and nothing else matters. Frankly, if I was him I'd kill every unmarried orphan he can find, because one of these days some supposedly loyal somebody with no familly to punish is finally gonna say, "Screw it!" and shoot his worthless carcass full of holes.

@eagle11772 Yet people who do not live there, who live in a world-class cities with none of the pain and hardships experienced by others and they're also miserably unhappy. Freedom and democracy do not always bring happiness; capitalism doesn't always bring wealth and prosperity.

"Freedom isn't free.". Last time I checked no one starves in American custody. Even Sheriff Joe provides old bologna sandwiches. . . If you are going to wring your hands, "produce the body.". How much of your fiscal possessions or sweat-equity have you shared lately?